The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking applications for its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops.
Donor Name: California Department of Food and Agriculture
State: California
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/11/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
The SCBGP is designed to support all sectors of California’s specialty crop industry and improve the performance of California specialty crops within local, domestic, national, and international markets. Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.
Funding Information
CDFA anticipates that up to $23 million will be awarded to projects enhancing the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Grant amounts range from $100,000 to $500,000.
Grant Period
The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, eight (8) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2026, or after June 30, 2029.
Eligibility Criteria
- Non-profit and for-profit organizations; local, state, and federal government entities, including Tribal governments (federally and non-federally recognized); and public or private colleges and universities are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. There is no limit on the number of Concept Proposals applicants may submit; however, each Concept Proposal must be for a wholly unique project.
- Additional notes to help determine eligibility:
- Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. For example, the program will not fund a project to start or expand a farm or business venture.
- Grant funds cannot be used to compete unfairly with private companies that offer equivalent products or services.
- Projects must enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Projects benefiting non-specialty crops will not be selected for funding.
- Projects must address one or more of the program priorities identified by CDFA.
For more information, visit CDFA.
